The Obama administration doesn't have a firm timetable in mind as it begins negotiations with Russia about a potential agreemtn to remove chemical weapons from the posession of Syrian leader Bashar Assad.

White House: No firm timetable for Syria deal

By Jennifer Epstein

09/11/13 01:03 PM EDT

The Obama administration doesn't have a firm timeline in mind as it begins negotiations with Russia about a potential agreement to remove chemical weapons from the possession of Syrian leader Bashar Assad.

"I suspect this will take some time," White House press secretary Jay Carney told reporters Wednesday, suggesting that the technical aspects of transferring control of chemical weapons could be complicated to work out. The talks, he later added as reporters again pressed him on timing, "can't possibly be wrapped up by Friday, I assure you."

But the United States must take the time to see if a deal can be made, he said. "It would be irresponsible not to explore this potential diplomatic resolution" and it's "certainly too early to tell" whether it will be successful.

Hinting that the window of opportunity would be determined based on the progress of talks, Carney said they would likely continue if there was "a demonstration of sincerity and a verifiable way to secure the weapons."

Still, the timeline is finite. It's "certainly not the case that were are interested in delay or avoidance of accountability here," Carney said.

President Obama also stayed vague Tuesday night in his address to the nation, as he committed to move ahead on direct diplomacy with Russia and through the United Nations but also warned that military action was still on the table.